Spanish artist unveils 'masterpiece' to commemorate 70 years of UN
The sculpture, in New York’s Central Park, marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. The sculpture - a mirrored ball surrounded by 70 figures holding hands, marking 70 years of the United Nations - was designed by Spanish artist Cristóbal Gabarrón.
The art installation, entitled 'Enlightened Universe' was inaugurated on Saturday by UN officials in a ceremony in New York City's Central Park.
Gabarrón, who splits his time between the Spanish city of Valladolid and New York City, designed the sculpture with a diametre of exactly 6,371 millimetres - to mirror the earth’s diameter of 6,371 kilometres.
"This sculpture depicts the great hope that all of us have invested in the UN," said the organization’s secretary general, Ban Ki-moon during the grand unveiling ceremony.
Referring to the 70 figures surrounding the mirrored sculpture, the secretary general said: "Their hands are joined in solidarity, to show how we create a more inclusive world. A world in where we have shared values and a shared responsibility to protect our planet."
The UN chief thanked Gabarrón "for creating this masterpiece".
"His artistic talent is only matched by the generosity of his spirit and his Foundation," he added.
Gabarrón started his foundation in 1992 with the aim of protecting and spreading culture through art, literature and science.
"With its 'human chain' of global citizenship, solidarity, tolerance, and respect for nature, it is a fitting tribute to this organization," said Mogens Lykketoft, president of the 70th session of the UN General Assembly, during the ceremony.
The 70th anniversary of the United Nations was marked around the world, with 250 famous landmarks being bathed in blue light to mark the anniversary.
Photo: Khaled Desouki/AFP
Landmarks included the Great Wall of China, the Sydney Opera House and the Pyramids at Giza as well as Madrid's City Hall.
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The sculpture - a mirrored ball surrounded by 70 figures holding hands, marking 70 years of the United Nations - was designed by Spanish artist Cristóbal Gabarrón.
The art installation, entitled 'Enlightened Universe' was inaugurated on Saturday by UN officials in a ceremony in New York City's Central Park.
Gabarrón, who splits his time between the Spanish city of Valladolid and New York City, designed the sculpture with a diametre of exactly 6,371 millimetres - to mirror the earth’s diameter of 6,371 kilometres.
"This sculpture depicts the great hope that all of us have invested in the UN," said the organization’s secretary general, Ban Ki-moon during the grand unveiling ceremony.
Referring to the 70 figures surrounding the mirrored sculpture, the secretary general said: "Their hands are joined in solidarity, to show how we create a more inclusive world. A world in where we have shared values and a shared responsibility to protect our planet."
The UN chief thanked Gabarrón "for creating this masterpiece".
"His artistic talent is only matched by the generosity of his spirit and his Foundation," he added.
Gabarrón started his foundation in 1992 with the aim of protecting and spreading culture through art, literature and science.
"With its 'human chain' of global citizenship, solidarity, tolerance, and respect for nature, it is a fitting tribute to this organization," said Mogens Lykketoft, president of the 70th session of the UN General Assembly, during the ceremony.
The 70th anniversary of the United Nations was marked around the world, with 250 famous landmarks being bathed in blue light to mark the anniversary.
Photo: Khaled Desouki/AFP
Landmarks included the Great Wall of China, the Sydney Opera House and the Pyramids at Giza as well as Madrid's City Hall.
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